With finals terrorizing Enochs this week, students continuously forget to look forward to what’s just over the horizon; Christmas. And with all the stress that studying for finals brings, you’ve probably forgotten the most important holiday tradition as well! You have to be sure to watch these top 10 Christmas movies this holiday season. But this isn’t just a typical top 10 list, this is one for Gen-Z specifically. Because I know when you Google “Best Christmas movie of all time” the first response is It’s a Wonderful Life. But I also know lots of teenagers have never even seen that movie, much less rank it as the best movie ever. So here’s a list with a bit more modernity.
Top 10 Xmas Movies
10. Spirited
Going from 10 to 1, here’s Spirited from 2022. This movie is the most recent of the list, which is partially why it’s at 10. It just hasn’t had enough time to become a classic yet, but it’s still a great laugh. It’s also a very interesting twist on a long running, on-its-last-limb, retold tale. A Christmas Carol was very creative in 1843, but it has seen almost too many retellings. This one is different, though, with its Ryan Reynolds comedy matched with Will Ferrell acting and a new take on the classic. It’s definitely a holiday movie I’d recommend and watch again.
9. Frosty the Snowman
It pained me to put him this far down the list, but coming in 9th is Frosty the Snowman . A classic TV short, at only 22 minutes, probably shouldn’t even be on a movie tier list. However, he’s still cherished and loved by all, due to his humor and kindness. The animation is also perfect, fun to watch, and very fitting of the story. His theme song is so catchy, too, it should be placed among a Christmas songs tier list! I love my yearly tradition of watching Frosty, and I think it’s one all Christmas enjoyers should adopt.
8. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Another Christmas Carol adaptation made the list, after I just complained there are too many Christmas Carol movies! The Muppets Christmas Carol is beloved in my home, as it should be in all. Gonzo’s story-telling through the film adds that hilarious Muppets humor on top of the great Dickens tale. It is arguably one of the best Muppet movies and definitely a top 10 Christmas movie. Especially since you learn a very valuable lesson; never be a Grinch on Christmas!
7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Did someone say Grinch! Of course How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) is on the top 10; he has become an adjective! The live action Grinch is definitely a personal favorite. With Jim Carey being as Jim Carey as ever, the extravagance of the set design, and the extreme camera shots and angles, it’s cinematic perfection. It won an Academy Award and Golden Globe! Although this movie has the worst ratings of the entire list, with 49% on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.3/10 on IMDb, it has the best accolades. And it’s still a comedic masterpiece in my mind, worthy of the top 10 of all time.
6. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Another TV Special making this list is A Charlie Brown Christmas. With his iconic Christmas “tree,” Schroeder’s tunes, and Lucy’s psychiatric help, this movie is Peanuts perfection. The dry humor contrasts the Christmas cheer hilariously in only 30 minutes. It’s still a classic Christmas movie to me, and I look forward to watching it again and again, every December. Especially after cracking up at It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving the past 2 months.
5. A Christmas Story
Starting off the top 5 is the hilarious Christmas Story. Now over 40 years old, this humor has held up tremendously, with the leg lamp still being a comedic staple. It’s a realistic telling of a child’s Christmas; hyper focussed on 1 toy the whole season. The hijinx and jokes throughout the film create so many iconic lines like “I triple dog dare, ya!” and “Frag-Ee-Lae” that you’ll be repeating them all year.
4. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
A movie I’ve already watched about 2 times this year alone and a comedic legend. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation . One of the most realistic tellings of a family gathering I’ve ever seen on the TV. With in-laws and rowdy pets and obnoxious neighbors, the whole movie is stuffed with misfortune. Just like vacations typically are. It has a loveable and happy ending though, to ensure you get the warm fuzzy feeling inside just like you should Christmas morning. This National L ampoon movie, just like all the rest, has groundbreaking comedy with just a touch of Rated-R (but it’s still PG-13, so don’t worry).
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Don’t worry, you aren’t getting deja-vu! This is How the Grinch Stole Christmas from 1966! 79 minutes shorter than the live action (I’m going to get in trouble for putting so many shorts on a Movie tier list) but just as funny and sweet. Boris Karloff as the narrator totally crushes it and Cindy Lou Who is just as adorable as ever. It’s 4 spots higher than Jim Carrey’s Grinch mostly because this one’s a classic! Obviously it's 34 years older, but also it’s perfect for all ages and a great tradition for every holiday. I would rather this Grinch than all the other adaptations, which gives it the top 3 spot.
2. Elf
Creeping towards the top of the list is Will Ferrell (again!) as Elf . He must be trying to become holiday royalty by being on this list twice, and I’m here for it. His performance as Buddy is touching, tear-jerking, and laugh-out-loud hilarious. This movie is one of the earliest memories I have of my Christmas Eve tradition, and that means it’ll always hold a special place in my heart. It is also one of the funniest movies I’ve ever watched while still being very family friendly, so kudos to Jon Favreau for keeping it PG (literally).
1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Finally, at the renowned number 1 spot, is of course Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. I don't even care that my first place is under an hour long and technically a TV special. It still has an amazing soundtrack, great stop motion, a creative premise, and is one of the funniest Christmas movies around. Many don’t consider it that funny, but once you think about it, you can’t help but giggle. The plot is a Christmas reindeer is shunned for his nose to the point of running away, where he meets an elf who would rather be in people’s mouths all day than make another toy. Then they need the help of a miner who’s sled dogs are every single dog breed you wouldn’t want as sled dogs. And they find refuge on an island of toys who were once owned by ungrateful little brats that couldn’t possibly be seen with a Charlie-in-the-Box! It’s a classic for a reason and I am very glad to know that for the rest of the day, you won’t be able to stop singing “Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, (reindeer) had a very shiny nose! (Like a light bulb!)”
